Leicester interest in Mauger - Agent

Friday 13 January 2006 00:08 BST

New Zealand centre Aaron Mauger is being courted by Leicester Tigers, according to the player's agent.

Lou Thompson has revealed the Canterbury and Crusaders five-eighth could look to play in Europe after next year's World Cup and return home in time for the 2011 event, which will be hosted on home soil.

Thompson told The Herald on Sunday: "It is very much a work in progress. Leicester have expressed an interest and we know that a number of other clubs are interested in talking to Aaron because he is playing very good football."

He added: "But he will only be 26 after the next World Cup. He might be able to squeeze through to another World Cup.

"He might want to sign an extension with the New Zealand Rugby Union. He's not ready to make any decisions. It's too early for that.

"From the player's point of view, it would be better to wait until after the World Cup but in terms of the clubs' planning, they would want to get things done earlier, in February, March next year."

Mauger is vastly experienced for a 25-year-old, having been capped while a teenager in 2001. He also holds a French passport, which is an added bonus for a potential move to England.

The news of Mauger's possible move overseas will pique the interest of rival Luke McAlister.

The Blues and North Harbour playmaker has been stalling on a new deal with the NZRU because of the dominance of Mauger and Dan Carter in his preferred centre and fly-half positions.